Is It Safe To Apply Hydrocortisone Cream On Itchy Reddish Spots?

Posted on Wed, 31 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 31 Dec 2014 Answered on

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I believe I have a case of shingles . . . red spots around lower waist line on right-back side. I have not had the
shingles shot that others have had to lessen their chance . . . I should have had that done.
I have applied 1% hydrocortisone to relieve the itch . . . no internal pain.
I am now home from a long travel activity with the opportunity to see a Dr. tomorrow.
Should I expect to receive any type of internal prescription medicine or other external cream?

Answered by Dr. Sanjay Kumar Kanodia (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly send pictures of the affected area.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome and thanks for posting your query to the forum.

I can understand your concern for the possibility of singles in yourself.

In view to help you best I humbly request you to kindly upload few good resolution pictures of the affected area. For that you have a feature on the right side of the page. or else you can send your photos at:

YYYY@YYYY

With attention " Dr Sanjay Kanodia "

Kindly do not apply hydrocortisone cream over the affected area as is steroid based cream. In case if we keep a possibility of shingles then steroid can increase the lesion.

Do let me know if you have any pain killer medication or any antihistamine (anti-itch)medication.

Hope to hear soon from your side.

With regards,

Dr Sanjay Kanodia
MD-DERMATOLOGY

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar